Hays Regulatory News (HAS)

Hays plc: Approval of Science-Based Targets

Hays plc is pleased to announce that its Science-Based Targets (SBT) have been approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These targets are a key part of its ambition to be the first global specialist recruitment firm to reach Net Zero. This landmark step demonstrates Hays' firm commitment to fighting climate change, and its targets have been validated by SBTi as being consistent with GHG reductions which will limit warming to 1.5˚C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement.

Hays has set two overarching targets for carbon reduction, now formally validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative.

For its base year, which ended in March 2020 (i.e. pre-pandemic):

1. Reduce operational consumption: Hays commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by FY2026;

2. Reduce GHG emissions in the supply chain: Hays commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services and capital goods by 50% by FY2030. Further, Hays also commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from business travel by 40% by FY2026.

To deliver these targets, Hays has put in place policies including moving offices to 100% renewable energy and targeting significant cuts to energy use, reducing business travel including a 40% reduction in flights by 2026, transitioning our fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles and working with companies in our supply chain which are committed to their own Net Zero journey's.

CEO Alistair Cox commented:

"Hays was proud to become a Carbon Neutral business in 2021, however we have always viewed this as a stepping stone on our path to becoming Net Zero. Net Zero requirements are far more stringent, requiring organisations to achieve emissions reductions consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C and be wholly transparent in reporting their progress. Our actions to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions should result in a cumulative reduction in CO2 of c.65,000 tonnes over the next five years. Our ambition is to become the first global specialist recruiter to achieve Net Zero and take an active role in combatting climate change and promoting sustainability in all our operations".

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Enquiries

Hays plc

David Phillips Head of Investor Relations & ESG + 44 (0) 333 010 7122

Finsbury

Guy Lamming / Anjali Unnikrishnan hays@finsbury.com